Police plea to protect nesting birds on Isle of Man

Police have called for walkers to be mindful of nesting birds on the northern coast of the Isle of Man.

Arctic Terns, Eurasian Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers have begun nesting at the Point of Ayre, an area popular with dog walkers. Fencing has been put up to protect the species and pet owners must keep their animals on leads until the end of August.

Ringed Plover one of the ground-nesting species at Point of Ayre (Holly Tudball).

A police spokesperson said: "If you walk too close to a nesting area you are likely to be attacked by parent birds demonstrating fear and aggression to your presence. If terns attack, you are too close."

Chicks sometimes stray from the fenced areas and eggs could be "overlooked and trampled", the spokesperson added.